Rapids to host Military Appreciation Night on July 28

COMMERCE CITY, Colo. (Thursday, July 12, 2012) – The Colorado Rapids, Coca-Cola Refreshments and Walmart will honor members of the United States Armed Forces at Military Appreciation Night on July 28 at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City. The event, which takes place at the Rapids match against Seattle Sounders FC, will celebrate outstanding military service, and begins with a $10,000 donation to the United Service Organizations (USO) from the three partners prior to the match.

“Military service members, including our own military personnel, have made incredible sacrifices to serve and protect our country and we would like to recognize their service,” said Matt Wilson, Coca-Cola Refreshments Market Unit Vice President. “Our partnership with the Colorado Rapids and Walmart will help give back to the American troops who have courageously served our country.”

“Everyone at the Rapids and Kroenke Sports & Entertainment is proud to celebrate those who support and defend our country,” said Jim Martin, President and CEO of Kroenke Sports & Entertainment. “We look forward to honoring the men and women in our Armed Forces and are excited to see many of them at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park on the 28th.”

The events on July 28 will also include on-field recognition for several active duty service members, as well as an enlistment ceremony at halftime of the match. Activities, entertainment and attractions will be available prior to and during the match throughout the stadium. Coca-Cola Refreshments and Walmart will recognize their companies’ local military veterans, as will the Rapids, whose Head Athletic Trainer, Jaime Rojas, is a veteran of the U.S. Army. All fans attending the match will be able to enjoy a free 12oz can of Coke Zero following the game.